Bringing the Family Back Together: 4 Reasons to Build a Multigenerational Home

Make room for grandma!

In the old days, it wasn’t uncommon for several generations of a family to live together under one roof. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins lived with their children, grandchildren, and brothers and sisters. Families were tighter knit—kids had close relationships with their grandparents and benefited from their wisdom and guidance. It was a time that preceded the popularity of the “nuclear family.”

But today, in the custom residential architecture industry, we’re beginning to see a reemergence of this long-forgotten trend. And now, it has the potential to be even better and more impactful than it was before. Multigenerational homes are on the rise, and here’s why a lot of people are agreeing that it’s about time.

1. An increase in quality time with family

For many modern families, spending time with grandparents and other close relatives is limited to birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. These days, the connections that strengthen a family have been weakened. Multigenerational living makes it possible for children to foster deeper relationships with elder relatives, providing them additional adult role models.

For parents, it’s an opportunity to breathe a little easier knowing that there are others in the home who can help, whether it’s caring for the kids, babysitting, or preparing meals. And while years ago this type of living arrangement meant more people living within limited space, new, custom multigenerational homes are being built to accommodate additional family members in a variety of flexible options.

Many of the new builds include a designated guest suite that is separated from the main house, providing privacy and the ability for grandparents to maintain their independence while still being a part of the household. Some designs feature a hallway that leads to a separate living space equipped with an en-suite bath and a kitchenette, while others have true “in-laws” quarters behind the main house. Either design allows family members to engage and interact with each other, but provides grandparents with the option to come and go as they please.

2. Multigenerational is better for the planet, and your budget

A multigenerational home means that family members don’t have to drive across the country or fly to see each other. This savings, coupled with the decrease in utility usage are a few reasons why multigenerational residences are on the rise. Shared utilities decrease your environmental footprint and reduced the expenses associated with far-flung, multiple-household families.

3. They foster a greater sense of community

For decades, the gap between older and younger generations has continued to grow along with the rise of retirement communities. The fact is, many members of our senior population are separated from the rest of the community. This segregation not only removes them from everyday interactions with younger people, it also limits their ability to impart wisdom. There’s a lot to be said for embracing the traditions and cultural influences that only our older generations can provide.

Seniors also provide enhanced security that comes from having an extra set of eyes on what’s going on in the home and in the neighborhood—if they’re retired, they are the ones who are likely home during the day, keeping watch on the community.

4. Room for everyone in your life

Whether you’re designing a custom home to accommodate your growing family and your retired parents, overnight guests, a live-in nanny or caregiver, or one that will have room for your children returning home from college or the military—a multigenerational living space accomplishes your goal.

Architecturally speaking, your new home can be designed to include elevators or dumbwaiters that ensure your elderly family members can easily travel from the main house to their own master suite on upper floors without having to climb stairs. Homes can also be designed with living quarters on the first floor or a separate residence on the property.

To be sure, the idea of multigenerational living may not be for everyone. But it’s becoming a viable solution for many families looking to bring back the family values of an era gone by.

If you’re interested in building a custom, multigenerational home, get in touch with us today. Telesco is a full-service design-build firm that acts as the single point of contact for your entire construction project. Our core team of 16 highly-qualified professionals has extensive experience in every facet of the industry–including architecture and design, interior design, engineering, and general contracting. We will ensure that your custom residence exceeds your expectations and is delivered on time and within budget.